The breakfast and networking event — which was hosted by Rockhampton Regional Council, Volunteering Queensland and the Rockhampton State Emergency Services Unit — provided an opportunity for Volunteer Organisations Active in Disasters (VOAD) from across the Region to meet and discuss their role in an emergency.
“We talk often at Council about how important it is to be prepared for a disaster – whether that’s in our own homes or at a community level through the LDMG,” said Mayor Williams.
“However we are also incredibly lucky to have a very strong community sector made up of some wonderful individuals prepared to put their hand up in an emergency and help their community.
“The VOAD group, which was formed in early 2020, brings together these different organisations in order to create connections as well as share knowledge and resources, which builds our overall community capacity.”
Mayor Tony Williams said the project is the first of its kind in Australia.
“At the recent breakfast, VOAD members came together to work through an emergency scenario facilitated by disaster management specialists.
Marion Lawler from Rockhampton Men’s Shed said the opportunity to participate in the exercise was appreciated by all of their members who attended.
“The feeling was that we were being trained to become useful as part of a larger team to help those members of our community who need help before, during and after a disaster,” said Ms Lawler.
“Thank you so much to everyone involved for enabling our organisation to continue to help those in our community who need assistance.”